By Edmar Delos Santos

With an extensive background in government service and an impressive academic record, Mr. June Arvin Gudoy, a graduate of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), has been appointed Vice President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), a government-owned and controlled corporation, effective January 2025. He assumes the coveted post today, January 6.

A Proud MMSU Graduate

Mr. Gudoy earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Studies, majoring in Communication Arts (now the Bachelor of Arts in Communication) in 2006 at MMSU. He began his professional journey teaching in local tertiary institutions in Ilocos Norte. He later served as the Department Head of the Communications Office and Executive Director of the Youth Development Office at the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
Expanding his horizons, he transitioned to national government service, holding key roles at the Department of Education, the House of Representatives, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

His academic achievements are equally impressive. In 2019, Mr. Gudoy obtained a Master of Strategic Public Relations from the University of Sydney through the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship, sponsored by the Australian government.  More recently, in 2024, he completed a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford, funded by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship from the United Kingdom government.

A Public Service Comeback Through DAP

After completing his studies at Oxford, Mr. Gudoy initially considered transitioning to NGO work. “After my Chevening Scholarship, I originally wanted to transition to NGO work, as I have been working with the government for a decade. I was looking for jobs that could fit what I wanted to do, and at the same time, I also want to teach while in an NGO,” he said.

However, an opportunity at DAP encouraged him to reconsider his plans. “When an available Vice President position at DAP was brought up to me, my friends encouraged me to apply because of my qualifications and accomplishments. I was convinced [to try] because I was convinced that DAP is in the spits-pot between teaching, working in the government, and working in an NGO,” he explained.
The selection process was lengthy and competitive, involving interviews and written examinations. “It was a long process—it took months, actually—so I wasn’t hoping for it. I almost gave up,” he shared.

However, months later, he was surprised to be selected, as there were also offers from the private and government sectors. “It’s exciting because I’ll be back in the academe. I won’t be teaching, I’ll be managing an academic institution. I can teach if I want to,” he added.
As an institution attached to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DAP plays a critical role in advancing the country’s socio-economic goals. It focuses on capacity-building, research, consulting, and training, while also offering advanced degrees and certificates in public management, productivity, and education leadership.
Values he will bring to DAP

As a communication arts graduate, Mr. Gudoy has been asked many times about his undergraduate degree, his public relations master’s degree, and his transition to public policy. Despite the difference between communication and public service, he believes the values of a communicator can be applied to any field, including government work.

“Communication is a good window in which you look at the world. It is because, in communication, you prioritize what your audience needs, and it teaches you empathy,” Mr. Gudoy said.

Mr. Gudoy shared that his undergraduate degree and former professors prepared him as a public servant in the past ten years. “Compassion and empathy are values, which we learn firstly in communication. You won’t be able to communicate well unless you understand your audience.”

Aside from these values, he also highlighted the importance of resilience in the workplace. “No matter what happens, you must stir the team even during the darkest hours and times when everything fails.”
He added that integrity is vital for a leader, especially in the government sector. “People with integrity are the exceptions, not the rule.”

A Message of Humility and Service

Joining MMSU alums in high-ranking positions, such as NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Mr. Gudoy downplayed the idea of being a role model based on titles or positions. “This is the pressure on others. When you put someone on a pedestal, he should be your idol, you should be like him, and I don’t believe that,” he said. “Everyone is achieving at their own pace.

“Serving your community is a high achievement in itself, and I don’t think positions and titles have anything to do with that,” he added.

A pride of MMSU

MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe Franco hailed Mr. Gudoy’s appointment as a testament to the university's commitment to producing exceptional graduates who excel in their fields, including government service. “On behalf of the entire MMSU community, I take great pride in celebrating Mr. Gudoy’s remarkable achievement. His success exemplifies the enduring spirit of the Green and Gold, shining brightly on both national and international stages.”

From his days as an MMSU student to becoming an accomplished public servant, Mr. Gudoy brings a wealth of experience and values to his new role at DAP. He remains committed to using his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in governance and beyond.